Calf Stretch

This exercise stretches the muscles at the back of the lower leg (the calf) and the Achilles tendon. Do this exercise 3 or 4 times a day, 5 days a week. To do this stretch:

Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put the leg you want to stretch about a step behind your other leg.

Keeping your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee until you feel a stretch in the back leg.

Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Repeat the exercise with the back knee bent a little, still keeping your back heel on the floor. This will stretch a different part of the calf muscles.

Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about how to do this or any other exercise.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

Last Revised

July 13, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.